3-Day Cultural and Culinary Adventure in Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Northern Cultural Exploration

Kyoto, Japan on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a classic Japanese-style breakfast paired with expertly brewed coffee at this historic coffee shop open from 7:30am to 7:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the stunning Golden Pavilion surrounded by beautiful gardens, an iconic symbol of Kyoto’s zen culture. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Ryoan-ji Temple Garden

Walk through the tranquil rock garden of Ryoan-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage site representing minimalist Japanese landscaping. Open 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Savor handmade udon noodles with seasonal vegetables near Kodai-ji Temple, open 11:30am to 9:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Walk through Gion District

Stroll the historic streets of Gion to spot traditional wooden machiya houses and possibly geisha sightings. Accessible anytime.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Visit Yasaka Shrine

Experience this vibrant Shinto shrine active with locals and visitors alike. Open 6:00am to 9:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine at a traditional kaiseki restaurant in Pontocho Alley known for seasonal multi-course meals. Restaurants typically open from 5:00pm to 11:00pm.
JPY6000+, 2h0m

Day 2: Arashiyama Natural Beauty

Kyoto, Japan on June 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Arabica Coffee Arashiyama

Start your day with specialty coffee and light pastries in the charming Arashiyama area. Open 7:30am to 6:00pm.
JPY800, 1h0m

8:30am

Bamboo Grove Walk

Walk through the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove early to avoid crowds and enjoy serene natural beauty. Open 24 hours.
Free, 1h0m

9:45am

Tenryu-ji Temple Visit

Visit the UNESCO-listed Tenryu-ji temple and its beautiful gardens. Open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Shoraian

Enjoy tofu-based cuisine at this scenic restaurant overlooking the river. Open 11:00am to 3:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Boat Ride on Hozu River

Experience a relaxing scenic boat ride along the Hozu River, showcasing Kyoto’s picturesque nature. Operations from 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY4000, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Iwatayama Monkey Park

Hike and observe wild Japanese macaques with panoramic views of Kyoto city. Open 9:00am to 4:00pm.
JPY550, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Central Kyoto

Travel back to city center to prepare for dinner.
JPY500 (transport), 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Indulge in exquisite Kyoto kaiseki cuisine featuring seasonal and local ingredients. Open 5:30pm to 10:00pm.
JPY7000+, 2h0m

Day 3: Historic Southern Sites & Eastern Hills

Kyoto, Japan on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Higashiyama

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and pastries at this popular spot open 8:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY900, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the famous thousand red torii gates that wind up Mount Inari. Open 24 hours.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Travel to Tofuku-ji Temple

Reach Tofuku-ji, known for its beautiful autumn colors and Zen gardens. Open 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hamo Kappo Unimaru

Taste Kyoto-style cuisine with fresh fish and seasonal ingredients in a cozy setting. Open 11:30am to 2:30pm.
JPY2500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit the UNESCO temple famous for its wooden stage offering panoramic city views. Open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

4:30pm

Stroll Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka

Wander through these historic preserved streets with shops and tea houses. Accessible anytime.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Giro Giro Hitoshina

Enjoy innovative Kyoto cuisine blending traditional and modern styles in a lively atmosphere. Open 6:00pm to 10:00pm.
JPY8000, 2h0m